Focus on creativity

Updated 11/11/2023

Creating is a hugely important part what makes me who I am, but having a focus on creativity can sometimes be a challenge. I often find that I have so many ideas, or projects, in my head that I am almost overwhelmed by them; and so get put off by the thought of doing any of them.

Despite the majority of my work getting done at home, in the office or on the sofa. Much of the best of it is achieved when I make use of other spaces. In large part this is due to me struggling with the discipline required not to get distracted by other factors while at home. Not switching to a different project or idea when I get a bit stuck is a serious challenge. This is not entirely fixed by changing location, but it can help see things from a different perspective.

Working in other environments from time to time has helped me stay focused. Plus, a change of atmosphere is nice every so often. As they say “a change is as good as a break”

Below are some places and environments that I find help me focus more on my creative side.

1. The coffee shop

Working at the coffee shop, even if only for an hour, has proven to be quite effective. I don’t know that it would be a good way of working all of the time, but in small doses it seem to help. The busy atmosphere of a coffee shop provides a nice contrast to the silence of the home office.

I could imagine for certain jobs that this atmosphere could also be a distraction, but as I use this time for planning; it works well.

2. The outdoors

I often find that spending time outside helps me think of new creative avenues, or helps work through issues I’m having with some of my projects. Even though this isn’t working in the traditional sense, I find it really helps focus me when I get back to the office.

The park, a run, or a walk in the woods; even the smallest amount of time outside can really make a huge amount of difference in my ability to knuckle down and get productive.

A nice walk is also brilliant time for getting the general gist of a new post idea. That’s how this one started.

3. In the car

Similar to taking a walk, time spent driving is also great for working through things. Basically, any time that you find yourself with a bit of thinking time can be really beneficial when it comes to being creative. As people tend to listen to music while driving you can use that to help drive your creativity.

Of course, when it comes to driving it is important to ensure that you are fully alert and paying close attention to what is going on around you. Use this time to increase your productivity, but don’t allow it to distract you.

4. In a meeting

If you are anything like me, then you tend to need to be doing something with your hands to aid in concentration. I know that this is the case whenever i’m in a meeting, I always find myself fiddling with a pen. Instead of simply fiddling, however, this need to be doing something could be used to jot down some ideas. Obviously if your presence at this meeting is important then you should make sure that you are paying attention and contributing.

Takeaway

The thing to takeaway from this post post is that it is possible to use any location that you happen to be in to aid in your creative processes. Wherever you are and however much time you have is enough to help. This list is far from exhaustive, and just using these suggestions is not enough alone to overcome procrastination.

In reality there is no replacement for the discipline and focus required to really achieve your goals. Wanting to achieve something is the only real thing that can force you to do it.

Leave a comment below letting me know where you go to get the best out of your creative side.